The Relationship between Co-rumination and Internalizing Problems: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Co-rumination involves repetitive discussion of personal problems within relationships.
• This behavior has been linked to both negative outcomes and friendship satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the relationship between co-rumination and internalizing problems (depression, anxiety) in children, adolescents, and young adults.
• To investigate potential moderator variables influencing this association.

Main Methods:

• A systematic electronic search was conducted across major databases (PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, etc.) for studies published since 2002.
• Included studies quantitatively assessed co-rumination and internalizing problems using validated measures.
• Thirty-eight studies with 12,829 participants were included in a random-effects meta-analysis using cross-sectional data.

Main Results:

• Small to moderate effect sizes (r = 0.14 to 0.26) were found between co-rumination and internalizing problems.
• Females scored significantly higher on co-rumination measures than males (d = -0.55).
• Moderator analyses showed mixed findings, with the version of the co-rumination questionnaire used being significant (p=0.05).

Conclusions:

• Co-rumination demonstrates a modest, significant association with internalizing problems, particularly depression and anxiety.
• While having maladaptive components, co-rumination is also linked to friendship satisfaction.
• Practitioners should consider how individuals discuss emotional distress when addressing mental health concerns.